What Do Occupational Therapists Do?
Occupational Therapists:
- Help people of all ages participate in the meaningful activities they need and want to do, regardless of injury, disability or health condition.
- Take the person’s full picture into account – psychological, physical, emotional and social make-up – to find the best pathway forward.
Common occupational therapy interventions include:
- Helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations.
- Helping youth and adults recover from injury to regain skills.
- Supporting older adults who experience physical and cognitive changes.
Common characteristics of occupational therapy practitioners:
- Interest in biological or behavioral sciences.
- Engagement in varied activities of work, leisure, self-care or learning.
- Commitment to community service and offering care to others.
- Ability to adapt and collaborate.
- Ability to think critically and creatively.
Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?
Occupational therapists address:
- Medical and physical conditions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, vocational rehabilitation, home health, workplaces, assistive technology, specialty hand and pain clinics.
- Pediatric conditions in early intervention, preschool programs, emotion regulation programs, schools, social emotional programs, assistive technology and AI assisted programs, after-school programs, camps and specialty neonate clinics.
- Mental health conditions in health and wellness programs, resilience and recovery programs, mental health facilities, correctional facilities, community integration programs, workplaces and specialty interventions with stress management, yoga and mindfulness.
- Older adult conditions in multi-level senior living communities, assisted living communities, nursing homes, fall prevention programs, wellness and resilience programs, transitions and loss programs and specialty programs in palliative and hospice care.